NEW HAVEN, CT—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) held her annual meeting today with mayors, first selectmen and town managers from across the Third Congressional District. They discussed a variety of challenges facing their cities and towns, particularly the economy and the ongoing recovery process from the number of storms that have hit Connecticut over the past several years.

“This meeting is a great opportunity to meet with local leaders, hear about their communities’ needs, and to fill them in on what is going on in Washington, and how it impacts everyone here in Connecticut. These local leaders show a tremendous amount of dedication to our communities and residents, and never have an easy job, but recently it has taken more dedication, as they have deal with everything from budget cuts to hurricanes and snow storms.

“While the deep and damaging budget cuts known as sequestration have been partially rolled back for 2014, Congress needs to come to a more permanent fix. If these cuts are not fully reversed they will continue to hurt already severely constrained local budgets. I will keep fighting to undo them and make sure Connecticut’s Third District has the resources it needs.

“Given the struggles families are facing, I will also push hard on other fronts, most notably stagnant wages, and the impact they have on opportunity, security, and upward mobility. I am fighting to raise the national minimum wage, invest more strongly in manufacturing and job training, and to prevent trade deals that help companies send our good jobs overseas. Congress needs to also pass a comprehensive economic agenda for women and families that focuses on equal and rising pay, work-family balance initiatives like paid sick days and paid leave, and expanding access to high-quality, affordable child care.

“Most importantly, I want all our local officials to know that they always have an open ear in my office, and that I am here to help them. I want to thank them for having a very productive meeting with me today and all that they do, day in and day out for Connecticut’s families.”